The "bridge" is the Scouting symbol of crossing over. It represents
the Cub Scout who continues on the Scouting Trail as he crosses
over into Boy Scouts.
The Crossing Ceremony includes Cub Scout leaders on one side of
the bridge, with Boy Scouts and Boy Scout leaders on the other
side. The crossing acknowledges the help and support parents and
den leaders have given the Cub Scout as he moved through the Cub
ranks, and it introduces the new Boy Scout level with its more
independent and boy-led experiences.
As part of the ceremony, the neckerchief and shoulder epaulets
are removed from the Cub Scout uniform. Once the Scout crosses the
bridge, he is ceremonially presented with the new troop neckerchief
and Boy Scout loops. This presentation often also includes a new
Boy Scout Handbook for recording his progress through ranks.